Who Among Sunjay Kapur’s Ex-Wife, Karisma Kapoor And Third Wife, Priya Sachdev Is Richer?
The sudden death of billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur on June 12, 2025, sent shockwaves through India’s business and entertainment circles, leaving his Rs. 10,300 crore ($1.2 billion) estate in the spotlight. Kapur, the chairman of Sona Comstar, was married three times—to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani, Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor, and businesswoman Priya Sachdev—each a formidable figure in her own right. As the nation mourns, curiosity swirls around who among these women holds the greatest wealth. This blog delves into their financial standings, personal journeys, and the legacy of Kapur’s fortune, offering a clear picture of who stands richest in the wake of his tragic passing.
The Tragic Loss of a Business Titan
Sunjay Kapur, aged 53, died unexpectedly after swallowing a bee during a polo match in London, triggering an allergic reaction that led to cardiac arrest. As the head of Sona Comstar, a global auto components giant with a market capitalization of Rs. 31,000 crore, Kapur amassed a fortune that outstripped even Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh Khan. His death, followed by a funeral on June 19, 2025, attended by Karisma Kapoor, her children, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, and a tearful Priya Sachdev, has sparked intense interest in his estate and the women tied to his legacy. With Kapur’s wealth estimated at Rs. 10,300 crore, the question of who among his three wives is the richest hinges on their personal fortunes and inheritance rights.
Nandita Mahtani: The Fashion Maven
Nandita Mahtani, Kapur’s first wife, married him in 1996, but their union ended in 2000 after four years. A celebrated fashion designer and stylist, Nandita has carved a niche in India’s glamour world, collaborating with stars like Virat Kohli and maintaining close ties with Bollywood figures like Karan Johar. Her eponymous fashion label and styling ventures have built her a net worth estimated at Rs. 129 crore. While substantial, this fortune is independent of Kapur’s estate, as their divorce severed any financial claims. Nandita’s wealth reflects her success in the competitive fashion industry, but it pales in comparison to the billionaire estate left behind by Kapur.
Karisma Kapoor: Bollywood’s Resilient Star
Karisma Kapoor, Kapur’s second wife, married him in 2003, and their high-profile marriage ended in a contentious divorce in 2016. A Bollywood icon known for hits like Raja Hindustani and Dil To Pagal Hai, Karisma hails from the Kapoor family, synonymous with Indian cinema. Her net worth, estimated at Rs. 90-120 crore, stems from her acting career, endorsements, and investments. As part of their divorce settlement, Kapur provided Rs. 14 crore in bonds for their two children, Samaira (20) and Kiaan (14), generating Rs. 10 lakh monthly per child for their expenses. He also transferred a Mumbai property to Karisma. Despite her wealth and provisions for her children, Karisma has no direct claim to Kapur’s estate, limiting her financial standing compared to his widow.
Priya Sachdev: The Heir to a Billionaire Legacy
Priya Sachdev, Kapur’s third wife, married him in 2017 and remained his spouse until his death. An American-Indian businesswoman, Priya manages the Sachdev Group, one of India’s leading car dealerships, and founded the online fashion platform Rock N Shop. She also dabbled in acting, appearing in the 2005 film Neal ‘n’ Nikki and various advertisements. While her personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, as Kapur’s lawfully wedded wife, Priya is widely reported to be the primary beneficiary of his Rs. 10,300 crore estate, per Indian inheritance laws, unless a will specifies otherwise. Some reports even suggest her inherited wealth could align with Kapur’s peak net worth of Rs. 13,000 crore in 2022 and 2024. Priya’s role as the mother of their son, Azarius, and stepmother to her daughter, Safira Chatwal, from her prior marriage to Vikram Chatwal, further solidifies her position.
The Verdict: Priya Sachdev’s Unmatched Wealth
Among Sunjay Kapur’s three wives, Priya Sachdev emerges as the richest, owing to her inheritance of Kapur’s Rs. 10,300 crore estate. As his widow, she is poised to oversee his stake in Sona Comstar and other assets, dwarfing the personal fortunes of Nandita Mahtani (Rs. 129 crore) and Karisma Kapoor (Rs. 90-120 crore). Nandita and Karisma, while successful in their own domains, built their wealth independently through fashion and film, respectively, and have no direct access to Kapur’s estate post-divorce. Priya’s business acumen, combined with her legal status as Kapur’s spouse, positions her as the financial frontrunner, managing one of India’s largest business empires.
The Emotional and Legal Layers
The funeral on June 19, 2025, held seven days after Kapur’s death due to his U.S. citizenship, was a poignant moment. Priya, dressed in white, was visibly heartbroken, reflecting her deep bond with Kapur, whom she met on a flight in the early 2010s. Their marriage, delayed by Kapur’s prolonged divorce proceedings with Karisma, was built on a commitment to co-parenting their children harmoniously. Karisma, accompanied by Samaira, Kiaan, Kareena Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan, also attended, highlighting the complex ties binding Kapur’s family.
Legally, Priya’s inheritance is straightforward under Indian law, which prioritizes the spouse and children. Samaira and Kiaan are secured by their Rs. 14 crore bonds, ensuring their financial stability, but the bulk of the estate likely falls to Priya and Azarius. Speculation on X suggests Kapur’s sisters, Sona and Suparna, may take over Sona Comstar’s leadership, but Priya’s role as the primary heir remains unchallenged.
A Legacy Beyond Wealth
Sunjay Kapur’s death has left a void in India’s business landscape, with his Sona Comstar empire symbolizing innovation and global reach. The fascination with his wives’ wealth reflects public intrigue with his personal life, but it’s Priya Sachdev who stands at the pinnacle, inheriting a fortune that overshadows the achievements of Nandita and Karisma. Nandita’s fashion empire and Karisma’s Bollywood legacy are remarkable, but Priya’s control of Kapur’s estate places her in a league of her own. As the dust settles, the management of Kapur’s wealth and Sona Comstar’s future will shape his enduring legacy, with Priya at its helm.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on publicly available information and aims to provide an accessible overview of a complex issue. It does not reflect official statements or legal documents, and exact net worth figures may vary due to differing reports.
Source: Information compiled from media reports and social media posts regarding Sunjay Kapur’s estate and the net worth of Nandita Mahtani, Karisma Kapoor, and Priya Sachdev, published in June 2025.
